Came to under Camel Island. To think that for thousands of miles these seas should be infested by pirates! The sea as smooth as Spithead, with anchorages to be found in from 4 to 10 fathoms, the kedge affording sufficient holding. Passed through the Tambilans, a beautiful group of about 150 small islands, thinly inhabited. They are so close together that after passing the first two or three we were to all appearance land-locked in a capacious harbour. [Illustration: _Map--Eastern Archipelago; Map of Coast--Borneo._] [Sidenote: May 5.] Anchored off the Dutch end of the Island of Borneo, in the hope of surprising free-traders. [Sidenote: May 6.] The following morning we anchored off the mouth of the Sambas, and sent boats away to examine the creeks, islands, and rivers for traces of pirates, which were discovered by the remains of their cooking-fires, although no clue found as to where they had gone. [Sidenote: May 8.] Sent the pinnace and two cutters, with Partridge, D’Aeth, and Jenkins, and a week’s provisions, in charge of Lieutenant Wilmot Horton. The advice of Rajah Brooke, who not only knew the appearance of vessels used by pirates, but spoke the Malay language, was thankfully accepted. They were directed to proceed to the Island of Murrundum, and, after visiting the South Natunas, to rejoin _Dido_ at Sarawak. In the meantime _Dido_ proceeded along the coast, anchoring when convenient, and finding regular soundings from 4 to 10 fathoms. [Sidenote: May 9.] On the morning of the 9th, on rounding Tanjong Datu, we opened suddenly on a suspicious-looking prahu, which, on making us out, ran for a deep bay, formed by Cape Datu and the next point to the eastward. Standing a little further on, we saw her consort in the offing, likewise standing in-shore, and a third entered at the bottom of the bay. From descriptions we had received, they were Illanuns, of whose daring adventures much had been written. They inhabit a cluster of islands on the north-east coast of Borneo, and go out in large fleets, chiefly to intercept traders bound to Singapore or the Straits. Their victims are bound for months, and crowded in the bottom of the prahus, where they suffer miseries worse than could be inflicted in an African slaver. Having driven these worthies into a corner, and knowing that the only two small boats we had left would stand no chance with them, we loaded the guns, but, having no proper chart, proceeded with caution, feeling our way with the lead. When just within musket range we let go the anchor, which was no sooner done than the pirates made a move. We thought they were coming to sue for terms, but nothing was further from their intention. One pulled away close in-shore to the eastward, the others in the opposite direction. They were rowed by about forty paddles each. What rendered it ridiculous, owing to a strong tide, no gun could be brought to bear. By the time a warp was laid they were out of sight.